Anxiety is a normal and even healthy part of being human. It signals to us when there is a risk or threat, and triggers a fight, flight, or freeze response. However, anxiety can also kick in when there isn't danger, causing an exhausting and often debilitating set of symptoms. 

It can impact us in a variety of ways:

• racing heart
• tightness in the chest
• shortness of breath
• nausea
• sweating
• racing thoughts
• catastrophizing
• obsessive thoughts
• compulsive behaviours 
• phobias
• anxiety attacks

There are also different types of anxiety disorders that you may have heard of or been diagnosed with: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. To get a brief overview of each of these disorders and their symptoms, click here or here.

If anxiety is getting in the way of your work, relationships, or day-to-day living, consider counselling as a helpful resource. 

Additional Resources

Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada: General information and resources
Anxiety BC: General information, apps, self-help strategies & more for adults, teens, and kids
3 Tips for Calming Your Anxiety: A brief article on addressing your anxiety

community resources

Queen Street Yoga: A yoga studio that offers workshops for anxiety and depression.

CMHA: The association offers several self-help and peer support groups for anxiety and depression.